This week:
Catch up by reading Week 1 and 2 before going on with these new readings.
Read Week 3 reading Political Clubs and The Political Leaders Problems. (click here, print)
Read Precinct caucus tips, below.
Then please post a comment here, either a question on what you've read, information about a political club you know about now or find out about through your research as part of participating in this class. I'll post something about a political club or two, will ask others to do the same, so check back tomorrow.
Finally, in your comment please give me your opinion: Why aren't we getting more comments posted here? Real experts are standing by to give good answers to questions. What could be changed to improve the quality of the online conversation.
This week Phil Perington has agreed to be our "speaker." Phil has been very active in politics for years and has lots of expertise. I met him when a few of us formed "Save the Caucus" in 2002 to fight the misguided Amendment 29. I've asked Phil to give you a few tips about how to be effective as a newcomer in your precinct caucus, and then he'll answer any question you post here as a comment. Here's Phil:
FUN TIPS FOR 1st TIME CAUCUS ATTENDEES...
#1 Each individual caucus makes their own rules. As a bonus, if an issue comes up that has either agreement or disagreement you all vote on it.
#2 Even if you are not registered as a member of the party conducting the caucus you are allowed to attend and be involved in the meeting, except for voting on candidates.
#3. You can submit a proposal for an issue near and dear to you for consideration of the Resolutions/Platform of the County Party. You are allowed to speak to the Caucus attendees on any matter being discussed, at any time.
#4. You can be elected as a Precinct Chair, Delegate to the County Assembly or volunteer for vacant positions within the Party. An excellent way to become more actively involved in Grassroots politics. In many cases first time attendees become an important volunteer or participant in a Candidates campaign or the Party structure. By attending your caucus you will hear and receive valuable information from the County, State and National Parties.
So have some fun and get involved in the Political system on a whole new level. Do you have any questions you'd like to ask me?
3 comments:
Phil, What's are good ways to encourage neighbors to attend the caucus? What do you think about the idea of starting neighborhood newsletters with the 2012 Colorado Caucuses in mind? See http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=333271505918&ref=ts
Phil,
I’d like to get involved with the political process but I’m not up to speed on all of the issues. Certainly not conversant enough to argue with people who study the issues. Are caucus meetings contentious? Will a person new to the political process feel comfortable expressing opinion?
Thanks!
My experience has been that new attendees are welcome and the Chairperson of the meeting is quite helpful. I will bring your concerns up at the master training session we are having on the 13th. As for contentious conduct, it usually comes from someone who may be unwilling to compromise or has few social skills. Just have to grin and bear it. Free speech is a funny thing sometimes... Don't be afraid to express your opinion, after all, that's why you are in attendance. Good luck and have fun.
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